Process for preparing purified glycolipids by membrane separation processes

Abstract

Process for preparing purified glycolipids by membrane separation processes. Glycolipids may be purified and concentrated using a membrane separation process at acid pH and employing a membrane with a cut-off size of 30,000.

We claim: 
     
       1. A process for preparing purified glycolipids wherein the purification is carried out using a membrane separation process at acid pH with a membrane which has a cut-off size of molecules with a molecular weight of more than 30,000. 
     
     
       2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the glycolipids are rhamnolipids. 
     
     
       3. A process according to claim 1 wherein the glycolipids are selected from the group consisting of α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-hydroxydecanoic acid, 2-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-hydroxydecanoic acid, 2-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoic acid and α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-hydroxydecanoyl-β-hydroxydecanoic acid. 
     
     
       4. A process according to claim 1 wherein ultrafiltration serves as the membrane separation process. 
     
     
       5. A process according to claim 4 wherein an ultrafiltration membrane with a cut-off size of 30,000 to 300,000 is employed. 
     
     
       6. A process according to claim 5 wherein an ultrafiltration membrane with a cut-off size of 100,000 to 200,000 is employed. 
     
     
       7. A process according to claim 4 wherein the process is carried out at a pH of 1 to 5. 
     
     
       8. A process according to claim 7 wherein the process is carried out at a pH of 2 to 4. 
     
     
       9. A process according to claim 8 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C. 
     
     
       10. A process according to claim 7 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C. 
     
     
       11. A process according to claim 4 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C. 
     
     
       12. A process according to claim 1 wherein the process is carried out at a pH of 1 to 5. 
     
     
       13. A process according to claim 12 wherein the process is carried out at a pH of 2 to 4. 
     
     
       14. A process according to claim 13 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C. 
     
     
       15. A process according to claim 12 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C. 
     
     
       16. A process according to claim 1 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 0° to 70° C.